Trials of the Moon
Reopening the Case for Historical Witchcraft
A Critique of Ronald Hutton's The Triumph of the Moon
A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft
Ben Whitmore
Published by Briar Books, 2010
The 'creation myths' of modern witchcraft and Paganism were decisively
toppled at the turn of this century in Ronald Hutton's celebrated book,
Triumph of the Moon. But did Hutton topple more than just myths? Are
some truths also hidden in the rubble? Did paganism really die out
centuries ago? Was witchcraft really no more than a fantasy? Were the
Gods of Wicca really born out of the Romantic movement? Did Gerald
Gardner lie about his initiation into witchcraft? Ben Whitmore has
retraced many of Hutton's steps, critically evaluating the evidence, and he
now suggests that the truth may be quite different and even more fascinating.
Drawing on a wealth of scholarly material, Whitmore demonstrates that
the field of Pagan history is anything but barren ground - it is rich and
fertile, and we have barely begun to cultivate it.
Ben Whitmore is an Alexandrian High Priest, Co-Freemason, Morris dancer, artist and
software engineer. He lives in rural Auckland, New Zealand, with his partner and daughter.
(The text above comes from the back of the book)